The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant Bruce E. Jensen, United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight while serving as a Pilot with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron THREE HUNDRED SIXTY-FOUR (HMM-364), Marine Aircraft Group Sixteen, First Marine Aircraft Wing in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the afternoon of 23 July 1970, First Lieutenant Jensen launched as Section leader of a flight of two CH-46 transport helicopters assigned the emergency extraction of a Marine reconnaissance team which had sustained two casualties while heavily engaged in combat with a North Vietnamese Army force in a densely jungled mountainous area northwest of DaNang. Arriving over the designated area, he found that heavy rain showers would severely restrict visibility and was informed by the Forward Air Controller (Airborne) that the beleaguered patrol was located at the base of some tall trees and was receiving hostile fire from all sides. By skillfully coordinating his approach with the covering fire of supporting gunships and a smoke screen laid down to conceal his helicopter, First Lieutenant Jensen maneuvered to a hover approximately 100 feet above the pick-up site and resolutely remained in his precarious position while an extraction litter was lowered down through the canopy and the more seriously wounded of the two Marines was secured in the litter. Undaunted by the intensity of the enemy fire directed at his transport, he held his exposed position until the evacuee was hoisted aboard and then departed for the medical facility at DaNang. Upon his return to the endangered Marines’ position, First Lieutenant Jensen completely disregarded his own safety as he again coordinated his approach with the rocket and strafing runs of supporting aircraft, boldly maneuvering to a hover above the patrol’s position, and lowered an extraction ladder. After the members of the reconnaissance team had attached themselves and their remaining wounded comrade to the ladder, First Lieutenant Jensen cautiously and skillfully lifted out of the dangerous area and proceeded to Landing Zone 401. First Lieutenant Jensen’s courage, superior airmanship, and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger were instrumental in accomplishing the hazardous mission and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.